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Faitheist: How An Atheist Found Common Ground With The Religious (2012)

by Chris Stedman(Favorite Author)

3.88 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0807014397 (ISBN13: 9780807014394)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Beacon Press

review 1: I initially picked up this book because I was a newly outted, very confused young person looking for some sort of direction. I had never had any urge to delve into religion and especially not now, seeing the horrible reputation "traditional Christians" like most of the population of my hometown receive towards homosexuals. Chris Stedman made it insanely easy to understand every feeling he left on the pages of his book. Not only did I walk away with a new outlook on religion and the young queer, I also felt a pull towards Faitheism as a new way of life.
review 2: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I had really wanted to read this book for a number of reasons but two of the biggest are that 1. I have always wanted a way of connecting wit... moreh others regardless of their beliefs (so I thought this book might help address that) and 2. I am a Christian in seminary, yet despite this I do not feel at home or entirely safe within the Christian community. More often I find it easier to have friendships with Jews, Muslims, Atheists, and other religious groups. It is difficult to see the hatred that goes on between these different groups. In a nutshell Chris Stedman shares with the reader his journey of converting into an evangelical Christian, discovering he is gay, and then eventually switching to atheism. His experiences show some of the negative encounters that occur, are perpetuated, and/or ignored in the religious/secular world. They depict what is missing, namely a way of interacting with one another on a level of respect and compassion towards understanding. Some of his experiences made me cringe for the ignorance and brutality he had to face (and that others face) but also of the actions of the people of faith which I identify with. It shows that where we are now is not working. Changes need to be made in our interactions. If anything the book is great to understand another person's experience (something I always find fascinating). But it is more than understanding another person's experience. It is about learning to be open to sharing your whole self with another and give that person the same respect in sharing their self. It is a call to challenge and break down stereotypes (from all sides) and to see each other as people. It is a call to action. I agreed and felt connected to many of Chris' experiences and ideas. Furthermore Chris is inspiring with the interfaith work he does. less

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